KOLOLO.
The Speaker of Parliament Anita Among has defended the Parliament as “the epitome of a people-centered legislature,” dismissing mounting criticism over its role in enabling executive overreach and passing controversial laws, including the recent amendment to the UPDF Act.
Speaking at Kololo Independence Grounds ahead of what is widely expected to be President Museveni’ s final State of the Nation Address (SoNA) to the 11th Parliament, Among struck a tone of defiance and institutional pride.
“This Parliament has been the epitome of a people-centered legislature,” she said, adding: “We have worked tirelessly to represent the people, legislate for peace and development, and provide oversight over the Executive.”
Among did not directly address the political heat surrounding Parliament’s conduct, particularly the July 2024 anti-corruption protests that were swiftly suppressed by security forces in Kampala.
President Museveni later branded the protests as “foreign-funded” attempts to destabilize Uganda, while Among suggested they were orchestrated by those angered by her support for the country’s anti-LGBTQ legislation passed in 2023.
Though she avoided direct reference to the protests on Thursday, Among cited legislative statistics and oversight milestones as proof of Parliament’s legitimacy and public service.
“We have passed four national budgets totaling Shs192 trillion, held over 350 plenary sittings, and processed more than 400 committee reports,” she said, also citing the passage of 132 bills, among them the Uganda Human Organ Donation and Transplant Bill, the Competition Bill, and amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act.
“Oversight visits and public hearings have been conducted across all regions of Uganda, bringing Parliament closer to the people,” she added.
But while Among portrayed Parliament’s activity as robust and inclusive, critics have previously argued that the institution has increasingly functioned as a rubber stamp for the executive.
Last months, rights groups and opposition figures condemned the newly amended UPDF Act, which expands the military’s authority to try civilians, as a dangerous overreach that erodes civil liberties.
Despite the criticism, Among used Thursday’s platform to reaffirm the Legislature’s alignment with the executive branch, thanking regional Speakers present for their solidarity and support.
“We reaffirm our commitment to working with the Executive arm of Government and all stakeholders in building a prosperous and democratic Uganda,” she said.
Museveni’s address marked the formal opening of the 5th and final session of the 11th Parliament, ushering in what may be the last full legislative period before the 2026 general elections and the start of the 12th Parliament.
“I undertake that the 5th session will remain steadfast in effectively executing its mandate in furtherance of our national vision 2040, that aims at transforming Uganda into a modern and prosperous nation within 30 years,” Among emphasised.